In Escherichia coli K1060 grown at 37 degrees C we observed that the uptake of both L-[3H]leucine and L-[35S]methionine was inhibited by exposure of the cells to 48 degrees C. The calcium channel blockers diltiazem and verapamil, and the anti-arrhythmic agent quinidine, inhibited the uptake of L-[3H]leucine at both 37 degrees C and 48 degrees C. Verapamil also inhibited the uptake of L-[35S]methionine at 37 degrees C, but at 48 degrees C protected against some of the heat-induced decrease in the uptake of this amino acid. The local anaesthetic procaine markedly inhibited the uptake of both labelled amino acids at temperatures between 37 degrees C and 48 degrees C. Amino acid uptake and cell killing were not correlated.